Upon reading a heartfelt account about a young boy who misplaced his treasured stuffed tiger while traveling, only to have airport staff take it on an unexpected adventure before reuniting him with it a week later, I was reminded of my daughter, Lily, and her deep attachment to her plush security blanket, which she affectionately calls Cuddles Bear.
Cuddles Bear is not your typical teddy bear, nor is it merely a blanket. It’s a well-loved, somewhat tattered, off-white square of fabric featuring a bear’s head at one corner. Small enough to be easily clutched, many parents refer to such items as “lovies.” Lily bestowed the name Cuddles Bear upon her blanket as soon as she could articulate the words. From the day she was born, she has rested with Cuddles by her side, and at nearly 8 years old, that bond remains strong.
I must confess that I often find myself frustrated with Cuddles Bear. It has an uncanny ability to vanish at the most inopportune times. Countless evenings have been disrupted by frantic searches for Cuddles, as Lily, with tears streaming down her face, becomes increasingly distraught.
Is she hidden beneath the couch cushions? I bark, rallying the family as if we were on a military operation. Could she be in the attic? Did she end up on a bookshelf during one of Lily’s quests for a bedtime story? Or is she wedged behind the television? Perhaps she’s snuggled between Lily’s mattress and the bedframe? And has anyone checked the pantry?
For the love of all that is good, where is Cuddles Bear?
When new babysitters come to our home, I make it a point to explain the significance of this worn piece of cloth. I emphasize that to maintain calm during our outings, Cuddles Bear must be treated with utmost care, as if she were a critical witness in an important trial. Whatever happens, do not misplace her!
As Lily matures, her fondness for Cuddles has not waned; however, she’s aware of how “childish” it might seem to her peers. Reluctantly, she now leaves her beloved lovey on her pillow, significantly reducing our household stress levels since we can usually confine our searches to her bedroom, which measures a mere 13 by 14 feet. (Cuddles has a knack for bending the rules, often found lounging on the window seat or sprawled on the floor.)
Yet, before implementing these new regulations, Cuddles managed one last significant escape during a family trip. While traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco for spring break, we treated ourselves to a stay at the elegant Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill.
On our first morning, we awoke eager to explore the vibrant city. Like many hotel guests, we didn’t bother to make our beds. Cuddles Bear, whom Lily insisted on bringing along, was left among the rumpled sheets. When we returned to our room later that day, it was spotless—yet Cuddles was missing.
We searched every corner, our panic escalating. Lily began to hyperventilate. I quickly contacted the concierge, who suggested reaching out to the laundry department. When I did, I learned the grim reality: “We handle thousands of pounds of linens weekly. If Cuddles Bear was mistakenly taken with the laundry, I’m afraid the chances of finding her are not good!”
Lily was devastated. Despite her heartbreak, she tried to enjoy our vacation, from a boat ride around Alcatraz to taking selfies at the Golden Gate Bridge. Each night, she quietly wept into her empty pillow, attempting to keep her distress at bay. Eventually, we drove home without Cuddles.
Upon our return, Lily was truly downcast—until a week later when my phone rang.
“Wonderful news!” the concierge exclaimed, sharing our relief. “The staff felt terrible for taking Cuddles Bear. They searched diligently and found her among the linens!”
I was astonished by the commitment of these hotel employees. They must have gone to great lengths to locate Lily’s lovey, which had blended in with the laundry.
“Tell Lily that Cuddles Bear is going on an adventure today,” the concierge continued. “She’s flying FedEx and will arrive at your home tomorrow morning. She’s had a bit of a scare, but she’ll be back soon!”
When Lily heard this news, her joy was indescribable—like Christmas and her birthday rolled into one. She jumped and squealed with excitement, a sight to behold.
When the box arrived the next day, we eagerly opened it to reveal Cuddles Bear grinning back at us. Lily burst into tears at their reunion, holding Cuddles as if she would never let go.
Yet, just hours later, when bedtime approached, I heard Lily’s voice echo from upstairs, “Cuddles? Cuddles? Oh no! Where did that Cuddles Bear go?”
In summary, the bond between a child and their lovey can be profound and sometimes tumultuous. The story of Cuddles Bear highlights the emotional attachment and the lengths we go to protect these cherished items, as well as the joy that accompanies their return. For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out our resource on home insemination kits.
Keyphrase: “child’s lovey adventure”
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